Nutrition is one of the most under-used resources concerning cancer care. Adequate nutritional intake improves treatment tolerance, helps reduce the risks of treatment side effects, and helps maintain muscle mass and energy levels, just to name a few.
There have been numerous times when speaking with cancer patients or clients, that they share they feel they are losing control with eating. and learned that he/she isn’t eating because they don’t know what they should eat, or they are afraid to eat, or the GI symptoms he/she are experiencing are not being managed well.
There is so much going on with cancer care that you may not be able control, so let’s focus on the things you can control such… as the food you choose to eat.
EAT WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY: Your appetite may ebb and flow while you are undergoing treatment. There will be times when you don’t feel like eating, either food tastes metallic, or you are too nauseous or you just aren’t hungry, so when you are hungry, eat! This is not the time to try and lose those last 10 pounds that you have battled for the last 20 years.
EAT THE RAINBOW: Your body needs fuel, and nutrients now more than ever. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and lentils are all great ways to fill your plate. Be intentional with what you are feeding your body. Your body needs fuel, not empty calories. Click HERE to watch the best 20-minute Ted Talk surround nutrition and cancer – a video I wish every person on the plate would watch.
WHAT TO LIMIT: Limit fast foods, red and processed meats, sugar sweetened drinks, and alcohol consumption, as these items provide minimal nutrition and empty calories.
When it comes to nutrition, you have to really decide what you can and want to do in order to Focus Forward with cancer treatment. While I am a HUGE proponent of a plant-based lifestyle, I also understand 2 key points: 1) Not everyone can make a major shift in their eating and lifestyle while they are going through cancer care, and 2) Not everyone wants to give up meat and dairy, and/or change their lifelong habits. It gets more confusing because reliable resources will often contradict each other. Here is my jewel of wisdom: You truly have to make the best decision for yourself with the information you have at hand, and then commit and Focus Forward. The resources that I share are relevant and reliable. And regardless of whether you choose to go plant-based or remain a carnivore, both sides do agree that incorporating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet, will make a difference. ? The only “perfect” plan, is the plan that works for YOU!
If you would like Reliable Resources surrounding the topic of nutrition and cancer care, click HERE to visit my Resources page.
Hope you find this helpful. As always, I’m here for you. If you’d like to talk or ask me specific questions, please click HERE and select a day and time that works best for your schedule 🙂